F minor · 7 chords · 4♭

Chords in the Key of F minor

The key of F minor contains the notes F – G – Ab – Bb – C – Db – Eb. Its seven chords are Fm, Gdim, Ab, Bbm, Cm, Db, Eb.

The seven chords of F minor

These are the triads built on each note of the F minor scale. The numerals show where each chord sits in the key: capital letters are major chords, lowercase letters are minor.

Numeral	Chord	Notes	Function
i	Fm	F – Ab – C	Tonic
ii°	Gdim	G – Bb – Db	Supertonic
III	Ab	Ab – C – Eb	Mediant
iv	Bbm	Bb – Db – F	Subdominant
v	Cm	C – Eb – G	Dominant
VI	Db	Db – F – Ab	Submediant
VII	Eb	Eb – G – Bb	Subtonic

Seventh chords in F minor

Adding the seventh gives a richer, more open sound. These are the seventh chords that fit F minor.

Fm7 Gm7b5 Abmaj7 Bbm7 Cm7 Dbmaj7 Eb7

Key signature of F minor

F minor has 4 flats: Bb, Eb, Ab, Db.

The relative major of F minor is Ab major: it uses exactly the same notes and chords, but feels brighter.

How to use the chords of F minor

Most songs in a minor key start and end on the i chord and lean on the iv and v chords. Try borrowing the major V chord to make the ending pull harder toward the home chord.

Chord progressions in F minor

Popular progressions written out in F minor:

i-VI-III-VII: Fm – Db – Ab – Eb
Andalusian Cadence (i-VII-VI-V): Fm – Eb – Db – C
i-iv-v (minor blues): Fm – Bbm – Cm
i-VI-VII: Fm – Db – Eb

Scales to play in F minor

F Natural Minor Scale F Minor Pentatonic Scale F Blues Scale

FAQ

What chords are in the key of F minor?

The chords in F minor are Fm, Gdim, Ab, Bbm, Cm, Db, Eb, which are chords i – ii° – III – iv – v – VI – VII of the key.

What is the relative major of F minor?

It is Ab major. The two keys share exactly the same notes and chords.

How many sharps or flats are in F minor?